esattamente
/e.zat.taˈmen.te/
The English word 'exactly' is translated into Italian as esattamente.
esattamente is an adverb used to describe something done in an exact manner.
Meaning: in an exact manner (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the adjective esatto (exact) plus the suffix -mente, which is the Italian equivalent of the English '-ly' for creating adverbs.
Which one should you use?
While esattamente describes the precision of an action or measurement, appunto is often used as an interjection to mean 'exactly' in the sense of 'that's just the thing' or to express agreement in conversation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable: /e.zat.taˈmen.te/.
Did you know?
- If an Italian says proprio to mean 'exactly' or 'precisely', they are using a word that also means 'own' or 'property'.
- In many Italian regions, if someone says esatto! as a single word, they are not just stating a fact, but are using it as a punchy, enthusiastic way to say 'Right!' or 'Exactly!' during a debate.
- To express 'exactly' in a sarcastic or emphatic way, Italians often use precisamente as a more formal or slightly pointed alternative to esattamente.
Examples in context
- So esattamente chi è.I know exactly who you are.This sentence shows how to use esattamente to specify a person.Tatoeba #6683829 by Guybrush88, translation #6266382 by CK
- Non lo so esattamente.I do not know exactly.This sentence demonstrates using esattamente to express a lack of precise knowledge.Tatoeba #614328 by Guybrush88, translation #271601 by CC
- Chi è esattamente Tom?Who exactly is Tom?This sentence illustrates how to use esattamente when asking for a precise identity.Tatoeba #5010263 by Guybrush88, translation #5010246 by CK
- 607 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are discussing the time for a meeting.
- MatteoA che ora inizia la riunione?What time does the meeting start?
- ChiaraInizia esattamente alle tre.It starts exactly at three.
- MatteoPerfetto, sarò lì in tempo.Perfect, I will be there on time.
- ChiaraOttimo, a dopo allora.Great, see you later then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exactly” translations and entries esattamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
